Big Sur 11.1 External Display Issues!

This is the adapter I'm using that works with my 2019 16-in MBP and LG 42" 4K monitor

https://www.amazon.com/LENTION-Multi-Port-Charging-Compatible-Thunderbolt-dp-B07L721BFK/dp/B07L721BFK/ref=dp_ob_title_ce

Also, when I spoke with Apple tech support on Monday, I told the guy about this thread and that there are hundreds of other people having this issue and after he made me go through all the redundant bs that he's required to ask when it's a monitor issue he finally put me on hold for a bit and when he came back he confirmed it's a widespread issue they are aware of and actively working on. So I'm pretty sure they are well aware.

I'm having the same issue, but I couldn't work with 30Hz. I downloaded an app from the Mac App Store called display menu and I was able to set my first monitor to 4K scaled down to 1440p in 60Hz, and my second monitor to 2560x1440 in 59.9Hz. It's not the best solution because it looks a bit more pixelated, but I couldn't live with 30Hz.

Same Problem with LG QHD Ergo Diplay. USB-C only supports up to 1080. Switching to Displayport 1.2 its all right again.

Problem since macOS BigSur 11.1

Thanks for your tipp, would have taken me another 15min to try that. :)

I switched back to Catalina. I waited a while (to take my own advice) before jumping on here and giving false hope. That being said, so far, Catalina is working GREAT. I have had zero display issues, not to mention my monitor/computer wakes up MUCH faster while in clamshell mode (simply plugging in a USB-C cable). 3440x1440@60Hz every time. Catalina doesn't feel any slower to me over Bug Sur.

If anyone still having problems with this try downloading Display Menu from the App Store (found the suggestion here), it's the only thing that made my monitor run 4K @ 60 Hz. Super simple and tiny app, saved my day!

1. Download Display Menu from the App Store
2. From the menu bar icon pick the resolution you want at 60 Hz
3. Enjoy 4K @ 60Hz again!

For my BenQ PD3220U Display the max resolution is 3840 x 2160 @ 60 Hz (4K), but I tend to use at 3360 x1890 @ 60 Hz because the is a bit bigger.

We have one MacBook Air M1 (2020) Big Sur 11.1 that is using a 27" Samsung UHD monitor for it's second display.

We used the fix of checking "prevent computer from sleeping when monitor sleeps" to correct the problem, but we decided to try a couple of other ideas to keep testing. Switching ports works for a day. Connecting both ports and letting the Mac and Display to auto handshake seems to work. Day two it is still going.

This is using Hyperdrive 2.0 port replicator with USB-c Connection to MacBook Air.

This is just unacceptable. Over a month of waiting for a fix for the external display issues that has crippled my machine.

Talked to apple support yesterday and they said they were aware of the issue but there is no fix yet.

Good news - i've managed to achieve maximum resolution by using this (fairly inexpensive) USB-C to HDMI adapter from amazon

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B075V5JK36/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Still no luck with USB-C to DP, though.

Not an ideal solution as I used to have my entire setup through 1 cable, instead of 2, but at least I finally have native resolution again!

For anyone else like me, with a monitor with an inbuilt KVM, you will run into some issues trying to run both usb-c and hdmi through the monitor as the MacBook will still detect 2 displays, despite it being one. The only solution I've found is to position the 2 monitors at an angle in the display arrangement settings, so the cursor doesn't run onto the "second screen" as often

Hope this helps! What a nightmare of a bug... shame on apple!

System: Macbook Pro 16" Radeon Pro 5500M

Display: Philips 346P1C

Hi, I’m not happy because Apple have not done nothing but the solution of h.latzko is working for mezz

I’ve purchased the hp dock station usbc 120w in amazon and with the same laptop 16” 2019 is working. Don’t ask me why I do not understand because without the dock I can’t do nothing with displayport.

just if helps somebody ( and yes I wasted 180€ this is a shame apple)

The way it has been working for me is as follows:

1. Leave the monitor on
2. Shut Down the computer
3. Disconnect the monitor for a minute (in reality should be some seconds but not sure how many).
4. Turn on the monitor.
5. Turn the computer on again

In this sequence, the monitor starts ok for me

Here's my temporary workaround for the external display issue that no one wants to hear (and what I just have to do until Apple gets their S#%T together).

1. Get all my displays working. For me if the computer is asleep this involves: waking computer, then unplugging/replugging my 2 external displays (fun!) to get them recognized. Then arranging them the way I want in Settings>Displays>Arrangement.
2. Go to Settings > Energy Saver. Slide the display-off slider to "Never" (How's that for saving energy Apple?)
3. Also check "Prevent Computer from sleeping automatically when the display is off"
4. When I'm done with my Mac for the day, I manually off the displays with their own power buttons (or don't, that's just to save energy like Apple should be doing)
5. Next time I need to use my Mac, I manually turn displays back on. They should be connected and arranged properly bc the Mac never went to sleep.
6. Fight for world peace and happiness.

Anyhow, that's what I'm doing right now as a dumb workaround. Hopefully ol' Timmy C and Apple hears the fury and fixes this issue fast. 🤙

I have the LG HDR 4K monitor and after upgrading to 11.2.3 I lost the hires settings.

I fixed it with insight from one of the replies that said to drop from DisplayPort 11.4 to 11.2.

In my monitors settings, I disabled DisplayPort 11.2. There were no other versions listed. I am connected via USB-C.

Disabling the DisplayPort fixed the issue and all resolutions are available in System Preferences.

Hi everyone, so, with all due respect to previous posters, I wanted to try and refocus the conversation. Rather than slagging off apple or posting negative comments, let's try and make sure apple see this thread and understand the issues at hand.

The post is about the issues caused by the update to Big Sur 11.1 and the way it broke display connections that previous worked correctly.

For example, my issues are:

I have a 20" Apple Cinema Display LCD, connected to a MacBook Pro (4 thunderbolt 3 ports). It is connected with a Comsol brand USB C - DVI adaptor. I have a second identical display at another location, connected with a genuine apple USB C - DVI adaptor.

• Prior to the update, my display worked fine.

• Post update, if my laptop goes to sleep, when I wake it up my display flashes on and off like a strobe light, but only ONCE you log in.. if you leave the MacBook sat at the log in screen, the external display runs fine. Once you log in, you have to restart the laptop to get the external display to function correctly.

• Prior to the update I was able to control the sleep/wake of the laptop using the power button on the monitor. Post update, nothing.

• The MacBook Pro does not recognise the full functionality of the display under its settings.

Installing SwitchRES X has given me back recognition of the display as a Apple Cinema Display and a full range of resolutions, including recommended, experimental and above the reported resolution of the display, all of which work. I still have the flashing issue.

Lots of other users have similar problems. The issues seem universal and do not only apply to M1 machines. It appears any MacBook capable of running Big Sur 11.1 has the same issues. I have not seen a single MacBook Pro with USB C Thunderbolt 3 etc ports that is not effected.

it is CLEARLY a software issue, as on MacBooks that have the display issues with Big Sur, the display is recognised and works perfectly with bootcamp or Virtual Machines. If you downgrade to a previous OS the display works perfectly.

While my displays are old, they are still excellent screens. other people are in the same situation. The have excellent displays that cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars and now are, effectively, useless.

Many people have displays that do not have HDMI, USB or USB-C ports that can have their internal firmware adjusted to run on older/slower protocols.

Apple needs to either fix the problem or revert back to the display drivers and software that was used in Big Sur 11.0

If you are going to post your issue, please list the hardware you are using, ie the type of display, the adaptor and the connection. and what you have done to try and fix the problem.

Hi, I hope this solution finds you well. I just experienced this issue. I’m sure you’ve found a solution nearly a year later. I found my solution in it being having to purchase Apple’s $39 type c usb cable. Meaning the type c usb cable from my ASUS ZenScreen no longer worked after the update to Big Sur. Despite updating all of the drivers for my ASUS monitor. Prior to the update to Big Sur, my ASUS monitor worked without any issues. Thanks apple. You’re like the printer industry now.

I didn't have your issues as I said a while back--but I fixed the issue I had (for now) of non-HDMI port recognition of external display--by resetting the SMC--a tip from MacRumors discussion. I thought I had tried this before but gave it another shot. Shut down the Mac, pushed the start button for 10 seconds (I think it chimes) keep it pressed down, then release, then press to start. I left the tv connected to the HDMI on throughout for this try. When the Mac Mini restarted it now recognized my third display.

When I tested by doing a simple restart the recognition held.

So maybe resetting your SMC will fix the issues you are having too.